ABBEY: Wilma was enticed of Yardbird’s waffles so we went there for a brunch and ordered a pair of Sunny Morning. Each set (36SGD) comes with freshly-squeezed juice, coffee or tea and one entrée. The juices are great: Green Giant (cucumber, celery, kale and honey) and Carotine Kicker (apple, orange, sweet potato and maple syrup). I preferred the former.
For the main I had Crispy chicken and egg biscuit sandwich. The serving is quite small but packs flavor. The melted cheese covered the succulent crispy chicken and really goes well with the biscuit.
Next time I’ll try the Chicken N Waffles N Watermelon.
WILL: Our siblings send us money to splurge on foods. So, this is the right time to spend without guilt. And one of our target restaurants way back 2019 is Yardbird located in The Shoppes of Marina Bay Sands. My goal is to taste test their famous waffles and the best time to eat those is on morning, so we booked a table and arrived around 1030am.
They have a $36 Sunny Morning Set and I chose to have Green Giant Juice, Salted Caramel Waffle and Hot Tea. The juice is impressive! Celery is not overwhelming amd the cucumber is refreshing! And that is my best waffle that I ever had. Not airy but packed and crispy! There is a tendecy that may get dry if you’re a slow eater like me. Haha! Just ask for syrup. Ok? The tea do not taste like burnt leaves.
Will be back? Yes of course! Next time will check the other food options like for dinner or lunch.
ABBEY: We planned to take the train from California to Chicago and experience a cross-state railroad journey. But Kuya Victor was more adventurous. He told us that it will be a road-trip. We were all excited and headed our way on a bright morning of December 27 after bidding farewell to our family in California. First stop is Las Vegas, Nevada. We got to see Red Rock Canyon and the “busyness” of the city. It was really lit with colorful signs. You can’t help but look up. We had the night to recharge ourselves at MGM Grand and checked out to go to Arizona. Funny story is we were stopped by a State Trooper citing our violation that we’re driving too close to another vehicle. Abiding by the law we crossed another border and reached New Mexico where we spent our second night. As Filipinos, rice is staple in our meal. We were so craving for it but we settled on bowls of ramen as the rice ran out. After a good night sleep, our next destination is Texas. Here we stopped by Big Texan Steakhouse for our steak fix. And on our fourth day we pushed it to reach Chicago but detoured first to Gateway Arch at Missouri. It was a great experience. We really enjoyed; the snow-covered and long ranges of mountains, vast lands, sights on each state we passed, and flurries. We got to eat at a diner and stayed at hotels where your fellow roadtrippers were also busy unpacking/packing their things. Definitely will do it again.
Los Angeles to Chicago Cross Country Road Trip
WILL: Instead of flying, Abbey and I planned to take train from San Francisco to Chicago. But Ate Gail and Kuya Victory proposed to take a road trip. We are quite hesitant for few reasons.
It will be tiring for Kuya Victory to drive thousands of miles.
Does Boy Thor can manage the monotony of seating for hours
And finally, how about the expenses. Haha!
Kuya and Ate ensures that there will be no problem and everything was taken care of on their side, so Abbey and I decided to agree with them.
For 4D and 3N, Kuya Victor drives, Abbey helps to navigates, Thor and Ate Abigail Sings and me?, Well I am sleeping at the back of the car. Haha. I am wide awake in the late evening kasi! Hmf! Jet lag.
Our first stop is Las Vegas:
I never dreamt in my whole life that I will set foot there! Indeed the casinos, bars and restaurants have their own ways to attract customers. Well, Nevada does not only serves those glaring electric lights but they have this Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. My first time to climb a non-man made wall. Another first time? Snowball Fight! Until now, it brings a smile whenever I hear Thor’s giggles. Haha! Not in lifetime that I will be staying at MGM Grand! This is where most of Manny Pacquaio’s fight was held.
Second Stop – Arizona:
The inspiration for Lightning McQueen CARS! It feels like I am inside that Pixar’s animation! The road, the car, the warmth welcome from people and the satisfying service of Mr. D’z.
It is indeed an outskirt part of US. It seems so peaceful!
Third State – Claremore Oklahoma:
But before reaching Oklahoma, we stopped by at famous Texas Restaurant, Big Texan Steak Ranch! Gosh! The serving is overwhelming! The beef is tender and swipe some jalapeno…whew! I am drooling while writing this! Haha! Love their corn muffin too! Texas is so huge vast of land and there are harnessing the power of wind! Windmill is everywhere!
Forth and Last Stop: Missouri
Before heading ThurThor’s home, we stopped by to visit the Gateway Arch at St Louis Missouri. The design and the architecture of the arch is wonderful! I hope this kind of masterpiece will stand the test of time like Egypt’s Pyramid!
Chicagoooo!!
We were welcomed by snow flurry! And I am happy to see that but do not dare to go out.. Haha! Abbey enjoyed the thick snow on the following day.
Thank you so much Austria’s Family for planning this kind of bonding with us! We really appreciate it and thankful in spending time with you guys! Di pa lang talaga nasasagot ni Kuya ang tanong namin na “What is your lovelife before Ate?” Haha!
ABBEY: We visited Disneyland Park at California on 23rd of December. It was drizzling and really cold. But those didn’t hinder us to see what’s at Mickey’s place. First stop is Peter Pan’s flight. It seems we’re really flying as we can see bird’s eyeview of London. Next is It’s a Small World. We keep on checking the Filipino dolls but the theme is all about the holidays. Maybe the highlight of our day is meeting Mickey Mouse himself. At last, we got a picture with him and our timing is right; less queue time. Our lunch is at Alien Pizza Planet where we had, of course, pizza and mac and cheese. After the break we headed for our photoshoot session with Chewbacca. It was fun and we burst to laughter with all those Chewbacca jokes. My shooting skills failed me at Astro Blasters having the lowest score. At last we found Nemo at the Submarine Voyage. The pool is small on the outside but it’s a different deep, big world down there. Next is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge where we saw the Millennium Falcon and First Order TIE Echelon. I’m proud to say that I survived Space Mountain. Hahaha.
We had our rest at Jungle Cruise while listening to the puns of our boat guide. Schedule was full for Fantasmic but we got seats for Mickey and the Magical Map. Our last stop is at Haunted Mansion.
Before heading home, Wilma got her food wish; corndog. It’s big but more on the coating side. Haha.
Be sure to have your Fastpass to get into the attractions quicker.
Disneyland® Park - California
WILL: This will be our first time to Disneyland California Park and great thing is we are with Abbey’s fam bam. It is raining, I am quite unwell but we still pushed the exciting event for Lapuz Family. Well, andun na kami, aatras pa ba? Haha! We are early, as in we woke in our unusual timing in the early morning and with a prayer, the rain became drizzle. Thank you Almighty! After parking, we rode a tram and immediately started the fun. Please watch our video. Most of the rides at Hong Kong Disneyland is present there, maybe that is the signature of each park. We only watched one show which I totally enjoyed and finally ate a corndog! Fantastic! What I really enjoyed is spending time with Abbey’s Family. The “Chewbacca” jokes will definitely not be forgotten. So hilarious! High Five Tita Beth! Thank you Lapuz Family for all the efforts and time spent with us. Now I wonder what will be the other Disneyland Parks may offer.
ABBEY: This is one of Wilma’s gift or should I say surprises for my 10th year anniversary in Singapore. I got intrigued with this confectionary when I read about the company being bought by Warren Buffet. What does it taste like why the Omaha oracle invested in them. Each piece is different as with all other boxes of chocolates. But they are all velvety smooth and you can taste the premium-ness to it ( a higher level of chocolatiness). On the other hand, their hard candies are like jaw breakers. You cannot bite it but just enjoy the flavor until the candy dissolves. I know they are pricey but I’m thankful I got hold of those lovely chocolate creations.
WILL: Abbey love to read biographies. Of course he won’t let himself to pass the life story of Warren Buffet. Then, he became curious on products of Berkshire Hathaway’s companies. One of those is See’s Candies.
I got intrigued too when I got to know about its price. It hit Abbey’s wishlist, so, on his 10th year celebration in Singapore, I ordered online and picked it up to Tangs VivoCity.
The taste? There is something different in it. Every bite is a feast in my mouth. Sometimes it is more of cocoa, some is more cream, but all of them has a smooth texture.
It costs thrice the amount of the ordinary chocolate but every sugar is worth it. Haha!
ABBEY: This wine is sweet and alcohol level is within my preference. Good to pair with meat as well as your chips for a midnight snack.
Stone Barn Zinfandel Rose - California 2011
WILL: There'll be a time that you you will miss the taste of wine. Or maybe you are in a celebratory mood or you just like to feel drunk. Haha.
When Abbey and I went to Fairprice. There's an array of dicounted wines. We do not know what to choose but all we need is with a sweet kick. Gladly, Abbey downloaded and app and helped us to choose what bottle we should go for. Tadannnnn! Stone Barn 2011. A seven year old bottle.
It is not expensive. It only cost us a SGD18.40. It is enticingly red and the sweetness suited Abbey's taste. Don't wonder if he is the one who finished it up. Haha!
ABBEY: After checking what Seamless conference offers at Suntec Convention Centre we went to Lady M (South Beach Tower) for a snack. We got two slices of cake and two beverages for SGD30. I had Caramel Miroir. It is a sponge cake topped with dark chocolate mousse and caramel. It was sweet and the burnt taste of caramel gives it a distinct after taste. It is perfect for my cup of cappuccino. The place is chic and looks elegant; the walls as well as the furnishings are white.
Lady M Singapore at South Beach Cappuccino and Lemon Ginger Green Tea
Lady M Singapore at South BeachSignature Mille Crepes
Lady M Singapore at South Beach Caramel Miroir
Lady M Singapore at South Beach Cake Menu
Lady M Singapore at South Beach Cake Menu
Lady M Singapore at South Beach Drinks Menu
WILL: Abbey and I attended the Seamless Event at Suntec City and just few walks at MRT links us at JW Marriot's South Beach Building. While Abbey is on the phone with a Singtel's customer care, I am busy checking the net what is the best cafe we can go for a snack. Lady M (New York) it is! Sat beside the window pane and we just want to watch the rain and traffic at the street. Ordered their famous cake, Signature Mille Crepes and a teapot of Lemon Ginger Green Tea. The cake outrageously melts in your mouth. Oh my gosh! One of the best cake here in Singapore. The sweetness of every bite is responding perfectly on my tea. The ambiance is relaxing. It pushes out Abbey's anxiety (Singtel bill). Haha!
ABBEY: Wilma told me to drink this coffee when I’m studying a data science course. Not that I’ll give all the credits of passing the course and certifications to this coffee but it somehow helped me focus and not get tired in learning. The aroma itself will wake you up and this is the first coffee I drank straight black. No sugar or cream added just like the instructions in the packet. It taste coffee-bitter but no aftertaste. Please make note the price is not ordinary. Good thing we got it at a discounted price of S$16.46 per 10 packets.
WILL: Do you want me to be like a zombie? Forever awake? Give me a simple cup of coffee and you will unlock that chapter of my life. Haha! I bought Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee with Lion's Mane & Chaga for Abbey. It will give extra brain kick for his trainings. So are you wondering how I got to know of this mushroom coffee? I am on hunt for it since last year, I remembered my Nanay preparing me a mushroom coffee when I am still at high school, so I seek and I found new one to test. It taste like your own freshly brewed coffee and I can't capture the taste of the mushrooms. For minutes, I felt the punch on my brain. This is no joke, it made me feel happy and my brain gets more attentive and focused. Altogether, it is a great experience. Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee doesn't affect my sleeping schedule. I snooze better. I sleep longer and uninterrupted. Now, my second box is on its way to Singapore. Every time I prepare my cup at office, colleagues become curios, they tasted, felt the difference how their brain works and requested me to buy for them. I think, Four Sigmatic should pay me for because I converted some peoplee to be their international customer. Haha. Go ahead, try their selection of coffee and chocolate drink. You can order Four Sigmatic Coffee at iHerb and get a cash back using ShopBack. :) Enjoy your coffee and wake up that happy hormones and maximze the function of your brain.
***
Four Sigmatic | Mushroom Coffee with Lion's Mane & Chaga
ABBEY: We're a fan of Shark Tank and one of the products pitched in the show was the Bantam Bagel. It is being carried under the wings of Starbucks all across US. So we gave it a try when we went to Chicago. It costs USD2.95 a pair. Basically it is a bagel ball. That's all. The taste and filling (cream cheese) is the same as others.
Bantam Bagels in Starbucks Chicago
WILL: I will never forget the taste of this Bantam Bagel. It is my number one in our "To Eat List" when we visited Chicago. Why? This made me drool when I saw sharks (Shark Tank) lingering at the taste of this bite-size bagels. One morning Abbey, together with Kuya Victor, went to Starbucks and bought me a bunch of those Bantam Bagel. The taste? It is what the same with other bagels with spreads and the only difference is the size. Now I am thinking maybe, they put extra ordinary effort when they are pitching at Shark Tank. You can find Bantam Bagel in the nearest Starbucks in your area. :)
ABBEY: Our Kuya and Ate treated us to Wildfire restaurant for our wedding anniversary and Wilma's birthday. It was cold outside but you'll feel warm and homey once you got in. We tried their Porterhouse; a combination of New York strip and filet mignon in a single steak. A couple of minutes later and slice of meat was served. The portion is huge. The taste? Juicy, moist and flavorful. Fit for the kings and queens. Thank you Kuya and Ate.
Wildfire Restaurant Chicago (Steaks, Chops & Seafood) -
Porterhouse
Wildfire Restaurant Chicago (Steaks, Chops & Seafood) - Menu
Wildfire Restaurant Chicago (Steaks, Chops & Seafood) -
Sundae Sampler
WILL: It was our 6th wedding anniversary. Kuya Roy and Ate Abigail, the generous couple, treated as at Wildfire! They are correct! The steak in here is pretty humongous and delectable. The meat is "oh-so-juicy" and so tender that you do not need an effort to slice it off from its bones. One serving can fit for me and Abbey's appetite. Next, is dessert. To tell you, I have no more space for that meal but when I saw and got one taste of Sundae Sampler. I can't help myself. My tummy moved for accommodate this Wildfire's dessert. haha! Spell G-L-U-T-T-O-N-Y. Very recommendable. Thanks Ate and Kuya for our meal and driving us at that place. Till next time. :)
***
Wildfire Restaurant Chicago - Steaks, Chops & Seafood
Our first day in Downtown Chicago is almost done and we grab a bite to eat. We went to Jimmy John's (249 S State St). I got J.J.B.L.T for 6.25USD. We were surprised as the sub is cold; not what we used to have here in Singapore from other sandwich shops. That's the only difference I observed compared to Subway.
Jersey Mike's
Jersey Mike's Subs saved us from "imminent" hunger as the shops around Cadillac Palace Theatre were closed. I ordered Jersey Mike's Famous Philly Hot Sub with free flow of drink. I like the bread the most. It is soft and fresh and the cheese goes well with it.
Jersey Mike's USA - Authentic Sub Sandwich Franchise Since 1956
Jersey Mike's Famous Philly Hot Sub
& Chicken Philly Cheese Steak
Jersey Mike's USA - Authentic Sub Sandwich Franchise Since 1956 - Menu
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches - Menu
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches - Pepe Sub
WILL: Jimmy John's is our snack before we head back home on our first day "all-alone" trip in downtown Chicago. I frowned when Abbey handed me the cold meal from the counter. With questionable squint, I asked why he gave me a cold sub. He smiled and told me that it is the norm. Blood drained to my face and I started to think how can I eat this freezing sandwich. Surprise, surprise, it was delicious. Their bun is exquisite, crunchy outside but soft and smooth in the inside. The buns' aroma is tempting too! I can eat that unusual cold sub again and again. The story behind Jersey Mike's is that there is no other store open for us to have a dinner before the Aladdin show starts. Yup! We have no other choice but to dine at Jersey Mike's located at West Monroe Street but it turned out to be radically good! Haha! The beef is delectably juicy but not oily. The meat is real meat! Haha! The crews were amazingly helpful. I am glad if this diner will extend up to Asia. :)
This stores were the reason why we gained more than 5kgs in our 16days stay in Illinois. Haha!
***
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches
(W) https://www.jimmyjohns.com/
Jersey Mike's USA - Authentic Sub Sandwich Franchise Since 1956
ABBEY: Deep dish pizza is one of the things that Chicago is well known for. And it's great that we indulged on those slices from three restaurants: Lou Malnati's, Giordano's Pizzeria, and Ginos East. It's hard to compare as each has its own unique way of how it was prepared, unique flavors and taste. For me, Lou Malnati's butter crust is better than the "undercooked" ones from Giordano's and Ginos East. But all of them put good, fresh, and flavorful ingredients that fill the pizza to brim. I think the lesson here is stop comparing, just eat and enjoy.
The 3 "Best" Deep Dish Pizza in Chicago: Ginos East
The 3 "Best" Deep Dish Pizza in Chicago: Giordano's Lunch Menu
The 3 "Best" Deep Dish Pizza in Chicago: Giordano's Dining Place
The 3 "Best" Deep Dish Pizza in Chicago: Lou Malnati's
WILL: Do you know that Chicago is famous for awesome pizzas? Their pizza are not only dough and toppings, their deep dish pizza is consisted of doughs and a basin of toppings! Haha! There 3 well-known brands, Ginos East, Lou Malnati's, & Giordano's. So blessed that we tasted it all (Thanks Kuya Victory and Abigail for sponsoring😋). My favourite? Giordano's... super yummy meat and melted cheese blended together.Their homey feeling at their branch at is superb. Great service and super clean restaurant. While the other two? Malnatis' dough is buttery and crispy which is the distinction to the other two. And Ginos East? Nothing special that reminds of me. Sorry. So whenever you visited Illinois, have a taste test of the three Deep Dish Pizza and share with us your judgment.
***
Lou Malnati's, the Best Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Restaurant
(W) https://www.loumalnatis.com
(T) 1-800-Lou-To-Go (1-800-568-8646)
Giordano's: Chicago's Famous Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza
ABBEY: Magnolia Bakery is recommended to us by Nylene. It is famous for its banana pudding. Not a fan though but need to try. In the shop, I had Vanilla Chocolate Cake and coffee. It became our comfort since it is a rainy day and cold. We had banana pudding to-go and ate it at home. It is delicious; not too sweet and can immediately make you full.
Magnolia Bakery at Chicago's Banana Pudding
Magnolia Bakery at Chicago's Cake Design
Magnolia Bakery at Chicago's Vanilla Chocolate Cake
Magnolia Bakery at Chicago' World Famous Banana Pudding
WILL: Before going to a place we should gave a habit to research on what to and where to dine. In many blog and YouTube videos we have looked upon, Magnolia Bakery is always in their list. AND, it was recommended by Nyleen. Who are we not to check that out. :) To grab a bite before we head back home, we headed to the famous Magnolia Bakery in State Street. The lady at the counter gladly roam me around to show the cakes and pastries they are offering. I ended up buying for Vanilla Chocolate Cake and Cream Cheese Brownies (to share) and a tea. The cake is mmmmm! I am not into icing but this made me scrape all the icing on the side of the plate. Haha! The cake is not too sweet and blends well with the tea. While eating and chattering, we keep on hearing people getting a banana pudding. I am not into pudding but since we are there we decided to buy some for people at the house. We ate it as a desert! And hell yeah! It is addicting! I think I ate the whole big tub of those all by myself. Now you know how I acquired 5kgs in 17days in Chicago. 😝 This is a must! But be warned.. Magnolia Bakery's Banana Pudding is dangerously addictive.
